Karnataka hikes milk, curd prices by Rs 4 per litre

Karnataka Milk Federation (KMF) has attributed the hike to rising production costs and higher input expenses.

With a Rs 4 hike, this will be the fourth milk price increase in three years. In June 2024, prices were raised by Rs 2, but consumers were given an additional 50 ml per litre, which KMF has now withdrawn. In July 2023, prices were hiked by Rs 3, and in November 2022, they were also increased by Rs 3.

According to KMF, the revised rates for other milk categories are: homogenised toned at Rs 47 (previously Rs 43), green packet at Rs 50 (previously Rs 46) and Shubham (special/orange packet) at Rs 52 (previously Rs 48).

The opposition slammed the Congress-led government for the milk price hike. BJP leader and Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan wrote on X: "Since Congress took over Karnataka, Nandini milk prices have increased by Rs 9: Rs 3 in July 2023, Rs 2 in June 2024,  Rs 4 in March 2025. Their only ‘guarantee’ is making life more expensive."

Also, read: Of guarantees & hikes: Karnataka govt walks a tightrope amid calls to limit benefits

The increase in milk prices is expected to raise the cost of tea, coffee, and dairy-based products in hotels and sweet shops across the state.

Animal Husbandry Minister K Venkatesh, Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna, and KMF Chairman Bheema Naik defended the Rs 4 price hike, citing pressure from dairy farmers and unions.

Venkatesh said the cabinet approved the hike to directly benefit farmers, not unions. Rajanna noted that Karnataka's milk price difference between procurement and sale is lower than in other states and emphasised that rising production costs prompted the decision. Acknowledging the impact on consumers, he said the move prioritises farmers' interests over profits.